Investigations Highlight Concerns Over Surrogacy Industry Practices and Protections

1-Minute Brief

Scrutiny of surrogacy practices raises questions about legal protections and oversight for surrogates and intended parents.

Key Facts

• A CBS News investigation found few meaningful protections exist for surrogates in the U.S. commercial surrogacy industry.
• The UK government is reviewing allegations about the British-owned surrogacy provider My Surrogacy Journey after insurance claims were denied for surrogates in Mexico.
• Some surrogates in Mexico reportedly faced health complications, including a hysterectomy, and had their insurance claims rejected.
• CBS News reports that surrogates in the U.S. have described troubling practices and a lack of safeguards in the industry.
• Surrogates in the U.S. are often attracted by promises of payment and the opportunity to help families, according to CBS News.

What Happened

Investigations by CBS News and The Guardian have highlighted concerns about insufficient protections and troubling practices in the surrogacy industry in both the U.S. and internationally.

Why It Matters

The lack of clear legal safeguards and oversight may leave surrogates and intended parents vulnerable to financial and health risks, prompting calls for regulatory review and reform.

What's Next

The UK Department of Health and Social Care is considering whether to continue listing My Surrogacy Journey as an approved agency. Further scrutiny of surrogacy regulations and industry practices is expected.